Help us practice good ECV etiquette...

[Jiminy'sGirl]

My 65 year old mother will be recovering from knee surgery when we travel to the World this November. We were unaware that she would need this surgery when we booked the trip. She will be past the major recovery but has been advised to stay home or use the knee for small amounts of time only. So, she is able-bodied, but can't handle an entire day on her feet.

---- Buses
I read the sticky several times. I see that my Mom is supposed to wait at the handicapped sign (if present). However, this doesn't seem right to she or I.... She would not qualify for a handicapped parking space, so we don't know if it is appropriate to wait in this spot? If we wait in the regular line we will somehow mess up the process and/or irritate the busdriver?

--- General tips
If you could offer my Mom (and I) one piece of advice regarding navigating the parks on an ECV, what would it be?

Thanks so much to any and every one who has any input at all!!

 

[WheeledTraveler]

Regarding buses, people using ECVs and wheelchairs load at a different door on the bus from where the regular line boards. The "handicapped signs" (which are not always going to be present) put you at the position for the back door that the ECV loads through. ECV and wheelchair users generally board first and are off the bus last. While on the bus, your mother should park the ECV, but sit in the bus seat as ECVs aren't safe to be on while on a bus. Many people fold the backrest on the ECV down over the seat so that if the bus becomes crowded, another guest doesn't think the ECV is an extra seat.

My one bit of advice is to err on the side of using the ECV for most queues. Some of the queues are 1/4 mile long and there's no way to shorten the walking distance even if the wait time is short. It's better to use it when not need to than to push too hard and end up in extra pain (which will likely cause more fatigue).

 

[canopynut66]

if your Mom is on a ECV then shw would wait until driver ask her to load it but if she walking then she would get in the regular lines. best bet is call off site and rent a EVC as is a long way from buses to entrances of any parks and is not flat land is up and over brick streets and smll hils and AK is all brick and rough walk ways even on a EVC. I rent from walker mobility but is apples and other places and then they have the EVC for your size and it will be there at resort when you arrive and you will have for your room to the parks 24/7. have to load it on the bus but only takes a couple of times and then will be fine.. if she has never drove one they go slow and we taught our Mother in wal mart and Krogert and target and all those have huge baskets on them. ones you rent will hae a small basket for say small itmes I have water in mine and rain gear. and much cheaper off site to rent them

 

[jdb in AZ]

My 65 year old mother will be recovering from knee surgery when we travel to the World this November. We were unaware that she would need this surgery when we booked the trip. She will be past the major recovery but has been advised to stay home or use the knee for small amounts of time only. [
Buses
I read the sticky several times. I see that my Mom is supposed to wait at the handicapped sign (if present). However, this doesn't seem right to she or I.... She would not qualify for a handicapped parking space, so we don't know if it is appropriate to wait in this spot? If we wait in the regular line we will somehow mess up the process and/or irritate the busdriver?

--- General tips
If you could offer my Mom (and I) one piece of advice regarding navigating the parks on an ECV, what would it be?

Thanks so much to any and every one who has any input at all!!

Um, why would she not qualify for a handicapped parking space? Doctors often sign a patient's temporary handicapped parking permit application for their surgical patients, and it sounds like your mom will need one immediately following her surgery. Even if you're the one driving, the temp tag will allow you to park close to places like the physical therapist's ofc so she won't have as far to walk. The temporary hang tags are red instead of blue, and I think they're good for 90 days.

If your mom can only get around a little bit, that means she is not able-bodied, even tho it's temporary.

You don't need a handicapped parking permit to rent a scooter -- the two are completely separate issues. Anyone on a scooter/wheelchair automatically waits in the designated handicapped area for the bus. Regardless if someone is only partially disabled, and many ECV drivers fit that category, the ECV still needs the same amount of space on the bus, regardless of the capabilities of the ECV driver.

 

[deakam]

I would offer this piece of advise....Children at Disney World have a tendency toward tunnel vision....watch for them because they will not see you....and also remember that people in crowds will stop suddenly and change direction--especially when children are involved.

I would also suggest that when your mom takes a seat on the bus that she pick one that does not leave her knees exposed to the aisle. The buses will undoubtedly be packed and there is always the possibility of something or someone bumping into her knees.

 

[utterrandomness]

I would also suggest that when your mom takes a seat on the bus that she pick one that does not leave her knees exposed to the aisle. The buses will undoubtedly be packed and there is always the possibility of something or someone bumping into her knees.

This, seriously, is so important. I have knee issues and people ramming their things into my exposed knees on the bus is super painful, and I haven't even had surgery yet.

 

[Jiminy'sGirl]

Um, why would she not qualify for a handicapped parking space? Doctors often sign a patient's temporary handicapped parking permit application for their surgical patients, and it sounds like your mom will need one immediately following her surgery. Even if you're the one driving, the temp tag will allow you to park close to places like the physical therapist's ofc so she won't have as far to walk. The temporary hang tags are red instead of blue, and I think they're good for 90 days.

If your mom can only get around a little bit, that means she is not able-bodied, even tho it's temporary.

You don't need a handicapped parking permit to rent a scooter -- the two are completely separate issues. Anyone on a scooter/wheelchair automatically waits in the designated handicapped area for the bus. Regardless if someone is only partially disabled, and many ECV drivers fit that category, the ECV still needs the same amount of space on the bus, regardless of the capabilities of the ECV driver.

You are correct, but her temporary hang tag will have expired before our trip. According to her Dr., she will be "real life" ready by November... Jut not "Disney World ready." Those were his actual words!!! Clearly he has been to the World and is well aware of the intense amount of walking involved.

Thank you for your help!

 

[Jiminy'sGirl]

I would offer this piece of advise....Children at Disney World have a tendency toward tunnel vision....watch for them because they will not see you....and also remember that people in crowds will stop suddenly and change direction--especially when children are involved.

I would also suggest that when your mom takes a seat on the bus that she pick one that does not leave her knees exposed to the aisle. The buses will undoubtedly be packed and there is always the possibility of something or someone bumping into her knees.

We would not have thought of this... Thanks so much!!!

 

[Jiminy'sGirl]

if your Mom is on a ECV then shw would wait until driver ask her to load it but if she walking then she would get in the regular lines. best bet is call off site and rent a EVC as is a long way from buses to entrances of any parks and is not flat land is up and over brick streets and smll hils and AK is all brick and rough walk ways even on a EVC. I rent from walker mobility but is apples and other places and then they have the EVC for your size and it will be there at resort when you arrive and you will have for your room to the parks 24/7. have to load it on the bus but only takes a couple of times and then will be fine.. if she has never drove one they go slow and we taught our Mother in wal mart and Krogert and target and all those have huge baskets on them. ones you rent will hae a small basket for say small itmes I have water in mine and rain gear. and much cheaper off site to rent them

I actually tried the scooter cart at HEB the other day, because I can imagine my Mom will want me to drive the ECV onto buses for her. It was much tougher than I imagined. I hear the smaller ECVs you rent are somewhat easier. This whole process is very intimidating. However, we need to become accustomed to it, because I doubt my Mom will ever be able to travel the World without an ECV again. I am so thankful for all your help!

 

[Jiminy'sGirl]

Regarding buses, people using ECVs and wheelchairs load at a different door on the bus from where the regular line boards. The "handicapped signs" (which are not always going to be present) put you at the position for the back door that the ECV loads through. ECV and wheelchair users generally board first and are off the bus last. While on the bus, your mother should park the ECV, but sit in the bus seat as ECVs aren't safe to be on while on a bus. Many people fold the backrest on the ECV down over the seat so that if the bus becomes crowded, another guest doesn't think the ECV is an extra seat.

My one bit of advice is to err on the side of using the ECV for most queues. Some of the queues are 1/4 mile long and there's no way to shorten the walking distance even if the wait time is short. It's better to use it when not need to than to push too hard and end up in extra pain (which will likely cause more fatigue).

How difficult is it to navigate the switchbacks? I was thinking lines would be easy, but you are correct. That is a lot of standing and slow walking. She should stay seated as much as possible. THANK YOU!!!

 

[Bete]

I actually tried the scooter cart at HEB the other day, because I can imagine my Mom will want me to drive the ECV onto buses for her. It was much tougher than I imagined. I hear the smaller ECVs you rent are somewhat easier. This whole process is very intimidating. However, we need to become accustomed to it, because I doubt my Mom will ever be able to travel the World without an ECV again. I am so thankful for all your help!

and you will get use to it with practice, hopefully. I would absolutely consider going to a local zoo for a day trip and renting a scooter and practicing there. Disney will still be harder with a scooter, but I think this is the best way to get started using a scooter. This is a good way to find out if a scooter will work for you, too. You don't want to find out at Disney this will not work. As an alternative you may have to think about pushing a manual wheelchair. I pushed my mom in a wheelchair for 5 years; she could never deal with an ECV; she had Alzheimer's disease. Some rides will fit a wheelchair like Buzz Lightyear or Toy Story Mania or the Jungle Cruise, but will not accept a scooter. I'm not sure, but I think you can transfer to a wheelchair on hand from Disney at some rides. The zoo scooter will be more like what you will be driving for a scooter at Disney. The store scooters are bulkier and harder to use than the smaller, portable rental scooters. The zoo scooter will be a good way to know if your mom will be able to handle and use a scooter.

My MIL had a little trouble using a scooter. She just wasn't coordinated enough. We did survive one trip with her by going on tortoise speed instead of hare speed with the scooter. We gave her a lot of help like parking it for her and getting it on and off the buses. We did the parks during the off times like early morning when the park would be less crowded. I was on guard with the traffic at all times through the parks.

Please be cautious on all counts; you need to keep your mom safe during the healing process. It may even be too difficult to get on and off a scooter for her without affecting her knee. You may have to assist her on and off the scooter. Get her to the ride and you or someone in your party should park it for the rides when you get there. You can use a scooter through the ride lines, but there can be a lot of turns in the ride queues. Getting on and off some rides can be a challenge. What comes to mind are boat rides. You need to take a pretty big step in and out of the boats. When we did Disney with my MIL there was someone on both sides of her for balance and lifting her in and out. Also, some rides have walking conveyors that move. On some rides this can be stopped and on other rides it cannot be stopped. Spaceship Earth in Epcot is one ride where they can't stop the walking conveyor.

For a couple of Disney trips we concentrated on the shows, live entertainment, parades and fireworks more than the rides. If you are going in late November there will be extra Christmas shows to see, too. Your mom may have to sit it out if some of you need to do thrill rides and such. I would alternate the activities; so, she doesn't have to feel left out too much. I would have someone keep her company at all times if she has to sit out for a ride.

I'm not sure about your travel arrangements, but if you are flying you absolutely need to get a courtesy wheelchair for her in the airport. If you are car driving to Florida I think I would avoid the buses and use your car to get to the parks. There are portable, travel rental scooters that come apart into 4 to 5 pieces that fit in most car trunks. This is not hard to learn how to do. I would say as long as you mom is not over 225 pounds the smaller scooter should work for her. If she's tall you could have some issue with a small scooter. The area for the feet is not a big area.

Personally, I think you might be better and safer using a travel, foldable wheelchair. On sale you can buy one for $99 to $125 without tax. Travel wheelchairs can weigh on the light side around 15 pounds. Some wheelchairs can weigh 50 pounds; so, you have to be careful as to what you get. If you are car driving it will be useful to have a wheelchair for rest stops while using a restroom or eating and so forth. You can take one on a plane free of charge.

I'm not sure about your arrangements for the trip, but if you are 45 days out you can cancel the trip without penalty from Disney. You can change your dates to a better time. Everyone heals differently and your mom may be slow to recover; there's no way to know, right now. For airfares, you may have to eat a cancellation fee, but you can get air credit towards a future flight.

 

[WheeledTraveler]

One thing to know is that ECVs in grocery stores and other big box stores are going to be harder to use than the ECVs you get from an off-site rental at WDW. The off-site rentals are smaller, lighter, and more maneuverable. The WDW rentals are not as bad as ECVs in grocery stores, but more bulky than the off-site rentals (in general).

I haven't gone through any queues using a ECV (I used either a manual wheelchair or power chair when I was at WDW the last few times), but the two rides with the longest queues that I can think of are Soarin' and Kilimanjaro Safari, both have fairly wide queues (I don't think I could reach from one side to the other and I have an armspan over 5 feet) so getting around switch backs really shouldn't be a problem on those. I really can't remember for shorter queues, although I suspect many of the rides I rode last time your mother won't be doing anyway.

The pros of a wheelchair over a scooter are that it may be easier for her to elevate her foot if needed (I know sometimes bending can be a problem with knee injuries), she won't have to concentrate on driving and ECV, and there will be slightly more portability if you use a car at all. That said, she'd lose pretty much any independent movement while using the wheelchair because the normal rental ones are just too heavy and the light-weight ones that Bete mentions don't usually have big back wheels. Also, if you do have your foot elevated in a wheelchair, you lose the protection and I would honestly expect someone to hit the foot/leg at some point. You can rent ECVs that come apart to fit in a car if needed.

 

[Piper]

I have no problem navigating the lines at WDW--but I do use my own ECV. The main thing to remember is to be very aware of the people around you. They will dart in front of you trying to get ahead of you, stop unexpectedly, and not want to let you into the flow of traffic. Go slowly and pay attention to everyone and you will be fine.

 

[Jiminy'sGirl]

I had not considered a wheel chair. You make some good points. I do worry though that she will lose her independence. She is only 65 and acts 35 and looks 45 so she might not like relying on us to push her. Luckily, my husband, dad and I are all very fit and we would be up for the task.

The trip is centered around my brother's wedding, so there is no rescheduling. I really wish we could.

 

[peemagg]

One thing to think about when renting a ECV, is that 4 wheel scooters have less room for you feet. With a 3 wheel one you can stretch the leg out more, since there is no wheel in front of it.

When I bought my scooter, I was in a boot and had other issues with the legs. I tried both styles and found the 3 wheel one to be more comfortable. I am assuming that your mothers leg will not be able to fully bend yet, which would make using a 4 wheel one almost impossible to use.

 

[Checkers]

All very good points already listed. Let me give you my experience -- I could be your mother (3 yrs. ago) as I was recovering from a broken ankle (I was out of my cast by a week or so) and my dr. told me I had to rent a scooter or he would not suggest I go. I went to Target and practiced and I will tell you it was much harder to navigate than the one I rented from Apple Scooter (3 wheel). I took a cane along and parked the scooter to ride most rides or stand in short lines. It worked out very well for me. In the parks I mostly put it in "turtle" mode and didn't have a problem running into people but I was always aware of my surroundings. Parking on the bus was not as easy but the bus drivers are so helpful and I will say that I met some very wonderful people who were very kind and considerate. Let me tell you I have a whole new appreciation for those who have to use scooters! I know she will be fine as I was very apprehensive, too. Good luck and have a great vacation!

 

[Bete]

I had not considered a wheel chair. You make some good points. I do worry though that she will lose her independence. She is only 65 and acts 35 and looks 45 so she might not like relying on us to push her. Luckily, my husband, dad and I are all very fit and we would be up for the task.

The trip is centered around my brother's wedding, so there is no rescheduling. I really wish we could.

I think your mom has to consider all of this as temporary measures for recovery. Being in a wheelchair for Disney is only for a little while.

With a wheelchair you don't have to worry about charging a battery every night as you would have to do with a non-Disney, rental scooter.

You have time to try a scooter and see how it will be for your mom. How well she will be closer to the time of the trip will do the deciding for you to a degree as to whether a scooter or wheelchair will be better.

 

[stitchlovestink]

and you will get use to it with practice, hopefully. I would absolutely consider going to a local zoo for a day trip and renting a scooter and practicing there. Disney will still be harder with a scooter, but I think this is the best way to get started using a scooter. This is a good way to find out if a scooter will work for you, too. You don't want to find out at Disney this will not work. As an alternative you may have to think about pushing a manual wheelchair. I pushed my mom in a wheelchair for 5 years; she could never deal with an ECV; she had Alzheimer's disease. Some rides will fit a wheelchair like Buzz Lightyear or Toy Story Mania or the Jungle Cruise, but will not accept a scooter. I'm not sure, but I think you can transfer to a wheelchair on hand from Disney at some rides. The zoo scooter will be more like what you will be driving for a scooter at Disney. The store scooters are bulkier and harder to use than the smaller, portable rental scooters. The zoo scooter will be a good way to know if your mom will be able to handle and use a scooter.

My MIL had a little trouble using a scooter. She just wasn't coordinated enough. We did survive one trip with her by going on tortoise speed instead of hare speed with the scooter. We gave her a lot of help like parking it for her and getting it on and off the buses. We did the parks during the off times like early morning when the park would be less crowded. I was on guard with the traffic at all times through the parks.

Please be cautious on all counts; you need to keep your mom safe during the healing process. It may even be too difficult to get on and off a scooter for her without affecting her knee. You may have to assist her on and off the scooter. Get her to the ride and you or someone in your party should park it for the rides when you get there. You can use a scooter through the ride lines, but there can be a lot of turns in the ride queues. Getting on and off some rides can be a challenge. What comes to mind are boat rides. You need to take a pretty big step in and out of the boats. When we did Disney with my MIL there was someone on both sides of her for balance and lifting her in and out. Also, some rides have walking conveyors that move. On some rides this can be stopped and on other rides it cannot be stopped. Spaceship Earth in Epcot is one ride where they can't stop the walking conveyor.
For a couple of Disney trips we concentrated on the shows, live entertainment, parades and fireworks more than the rides. If you are going in late November there will be extra Christmas shows to see, too. Your mom may have to sit it out if some of you need to do thrill rides and such. I would alternate the activities; so, she doesn't have to feel left out too much. I would have someone keep her company at all times if she has to sit out for a ride.

I'm not sure about your travel arrangements, but if you are flying you absolutely need to get a courtesy wheelchair for her in the airport. If you are car driving to Florida I think I would avoid the buses and use your car to get to the parks. There are portable, travel rental scooters that come apart into 4 to 5 pieces that fit in most car trunks. This is not hard to learn how to do. I would say as long as you mom is not over 225 pounds the smaller scooter should work for her. If she's tall you could have some issue with a small scooter. The area for the feet is not a big area.

Personally, I think you might be better and safer using a travel, foldable wheelchair. On sale you can buy one for $99 to $125 without tax. Travel wheelchairs can weigh on the light side around 15 pounds. Some wheelchairs can weigh 50 pounds; so, you have to be careful as to what you get. If you are car driving it will be useful to have a wheelchair for rest stops while using a restroom or eating and so forth. You can take one on a plane free of charge.

I'm not sure about your arrangements for the trip, but if you are 45 days out you can cancel the trip without penalty from Disney. You can change your dates to a better time. Everyone heals differently and your mom may be slow to recover; there's no way to know, right now. For airfares, you may have to eat a cancellation fee, but you can get air credit towards a future flight.

Bolding is mine...
We were being loaded on SpaceShip Earth on Monday, July 23, 2012 and they definitely stopped the moving walkway to load a VERY FRAGILE elderly man. We were loaded into the car behind him. It took the young couple at least 2 to 3 minutes to get him situated and the CMs did NOT assist in any physical way but they Definitely stopped the circuluar walkway at the area where you normally disembark the ride. There was even a little boy who was to be loaded behind us who tried to climb over the unopened vehicle ride door because the parent was not paying attention to what he was doing. And the CMs had to take their attention away to deal with him. And when we returned to the unloading zone, the CMs again stopped the walkway for the elderly gentleman to disembark the ride. I don't know how long it took for them to get him off the ride because we went ahead and got off and walked around him as we were asked to do by the other CM since our vehicle ride door had slid open. But I'm not sure why you think SSE moving walkway doesn't stop, because it can be done. Just thought I'd share this with you so that you know it can happen.

One thing to think about when renting a ECV, is that 4 wheel scooters have less room for you feet. With a 3 wheel one you can stretch the leg out more, since there is no wheel in front of it.

When I bought my scooter, I was in a boot and had other issues with the legs. I tried both styles and found the 3 wheel one to be more comfortable. I am assuming that your mothers leg will not be able to fully bend yet, which would make using a 4 wheel one almost impossible to use.

I must respectfully disagree. I think it depends on the model. I have a four wheel model that I think gives me WONDERFUL foot/leg Room. I can stretch my legs out STRAIGHT and rest my ankles over top of each wheel. I could NOT do that on any 3 wheel models I tried. My leg would fall off the side. I've had a bad right knee for 25+ years now. And having it bent all day, YIKES! My knee would be the size of a melon at the end of the day due to swelling! To each his or her own, but I would not rule out all 4 wheel models. I think mine is fabulous. I would buy it again in a heartbeat!!!

 

[Bete]

Bolding is mine...
We were being loaded on SpaceShip Earth on Monday, July 23, 2012 and they definitely stopped the moving walkway to load a VERY FRAGILE elderly man. We were loaded into the car behind him. It took the young couple at least 2 to 3 minutes to get him situated and the CMs did NOT assist in any physical way but they Definitely stopped the circuluar walkway at the area where you normally disembark the ride. There was even a little boy who was to be loaded behind us who tried to climb over the unopened vehicle ride door because the parent was not paying attention to what he was doing. And the CMs had to take their attention away to deal with him. And when we returned to the unloading zone, the CMs again stopped the walkway for the elderly gentleman to disembark the ride. I don't know how long it took for them to get him off the ride because we went ahead and got off and walked around him as we were asked to do by the other CM since our vehicle ride door had slid open. But I'm not sure why you think SSE moving walkway doesn't stop, because it can be done. Just thought I'd share this with you so that you know it can happen.

My understanding was Disney would slow down the walkway conveyor on Spaceship Earth, but that Disney did not completely stop the walkway. Sorry, if this was wrong info. Maybe, recent develops there have been better in this regard or I had wrong info from the start.